Special Projects

The Mark Lenz Memorial Garden at Cancer Lifeline

In 2003, the Mark Lenz Memorial Garden was created at Cancer Lifeline (CLL) to honor this co-founder of their Colo-rectal Cancer Support Group.

Upon Mark’s passing, Mark’s friends and family were inspired to work with the staff of Cancer Lifeline to build a memorial garden that would be an amenity for CLL clients and the surrounding community. I was the Project Manager for this effort that brought together architects, community volunteers and contractors to transform an under-used piece of land at the CLL’s Dorothy O’Brien Center into a beautiful garden with a modern seating area.

Further project management efforts included:

Fundraising, which garnered $50,000 through private donations and a silent auction, as well as a $10,000 grant from the City of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods.

Outreach to the surrounding community, (including invitations to come and dig and join subsequent celebrations!) and other public relations materials for Cancer Lifeline to announce groundbreaking and dedication ceremonies.

Meeting, negotiating with and hiring contractors and vendors.

Volunteer coordination.

Acting as liaison between CLL and all stakeholders.

The result is a lovely, intimate seating space where CLL clients can gather to talk and offer support, or neighbors can meet for dog walks. Personally, my favorite activity is to grab a bite from Red Mill Burger up the hill and then come to the garden to eat!

The Mark Lenz Memorial garden is located at Cancer Lifeline’s Dorothy O’Brien Center at 6522 Fremont Ave N | Seattle, WA 98103 and is open to the public.